A city with soul: İstanbul
İstanbul is an unforgettable city. Often characterized as the “bridge between Asia and Europe”, the city is that – and much more.
A thriving metropolis featuring the modern and traditional, side-by-side, İstanbul offers historical sites and sleek skyscrapers; the wild majesty of the Bosphorus and the refined gardens of Ottoman villas. It is a magnificently beautiful city with undefinable charm – and drama on nearly every corner.
Keep reading our İstanbul city guide to discover more about some of the city’s most iconic sites, sights and, of course, foods!
Don’t miss out!
One could explore İstanbul for years; to assist visitors, we’ve compiled some of the city’s many highlights by area. Enjoy our İstanbul travel guide!
İstanbul’s Historical Peninsula
On the European side, the Historical Peninsula is probably the most-visited area in İstanbul: many of the city’s most iconic sites are here, especially in Sultanahmet, which is home to the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
The Grand Bazaar, the most visited historical bazaar on the İstanbul Historical Peninsula and possibly in the entire world, was erected during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1460. The labyrinthine structure, covered with domes, is home to shops and ateliers selling jewelry, carpets, spices, souvenirs, and much more. There are also cafes where weary shoppers can take a welcome break.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Also on the Historical Peninsula is the Süleymaniye Mosque. This stellar example of classical Ottoman architecture was commissioned by the Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the peerless Mimar Sinan. The Mosque includes five gates, four minarets and ten balconies; these indicate that Suleiman was the fourth sultan after the conquest of İstanbul, and the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Eminönü
The neighborhood around the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) is known as Eminönü and it is one of the city’s traditional commercial centers. Even today, its narrow streets are lined with various wholesale and retail establishments selling items both modern and traditional. In addition to shopping, the district is home to the vibrant Spice Bazaar, the historical Sirkeci Train Station, and the entrance to the Galata Bridge, which connects Karaköy and Eminönü.
Basilica Cistern
Within a few minutes’ walk of the Hagia Sophia, the subterranean Basilica Cistern is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide. Constructed to help meet the water needs of the city and the gardens of Topkapı Palace, the Cistern has a mysterious ambiance heightened by tall marble columns and two Roman-era sculptures of the head of Medusa.
Çemberlitaş Hammam (Turkish Bath)
Set on Divanyolu Street, the avenue that runs through the main touristic district of the Historical Peninsula, is Çemberlitaş Hammam. Built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan, the bathhouse retains many of its original details, including stately domes and marble floors and benches, and is a valuable guide to Ottoman bathing culture. This historic hammam continues to offer a full array of bathing and massage services and is quite popular with both local and foreign guests.
Topkapı Palace
With a stunning view of the Bosphorus, the vast Topkapı Palace was commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet and served as the administrative, educational and artistic center of the Ottoman Empire for four hundred years. It is now a museum with approximately 300,000 archival documents and fascinating exhibits that offer a glimpse into the lives of the sultans and their harems and entourages.
Gülhane Park
Adjacent to Topkapı Palace is Gülhane Park, one of İstanbul’s most peaceful spots and a primary destination during the tulip season. The Park is also a habitat for grey herons, who build their nests in the plane trees. There are walking paths, benches, plenty of scenic views and a café. In addition, the İstanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is in Gülhane Park.
Yedikule Fortress
With a history dating from the 5th century, the venerable Yedikule Fortress takes its name – ‘seven towers’ – from the four towers built by Byzantine emperors and the three towers added by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, when the state treasury was moved to the citadel. In the 15th century, Yedikule began to be used as a prison for wayward envoys and nobles, thus becoming known as the Yedikule Dungeons. To visit, you can fill out the online form: https://www.yedikulehisari.com/onlinerezervasyon/.
In Beyoğlu
One of the city’s liveliest districts, Beyoğlu encompasses a number of distinctive neighborhoods and is known for nightlife, shopping and dining. The area also has its fair share of historical sites.
The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is an iconic İstanbul landmark. Originally erected during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the Tower was rebuilt by Genoese colonists. In the 1500s, it was destroyed by an earthquake and restored by the Ottoman architect, Hayreddin. In the subsequent years, the Galata Tower has undergone repairs and addition; it is currently almost 70 meters tall, and, at the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. According to the 17th-century writer Evliya Çelebi, in the mid-1600s the Ottoman scientist Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi flew from the Galata Tower and across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar.
Taksim Square and İstiklal Street
Once a roundabout featuring a monument to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Taksim Square is now a central plaza framing the sculpture, with Gezi Park on one side, the Talimhane neighborhood on the other, and benches and fountains within the plaza itself. Taksim Square also anchors bustling İstiklal Street, a pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, offices, narrow alleys and historic buildings. Fittingly, Taksim Square is a central and prominent İstanbul location, with access to nearly all types of public transportation.
Beşiktaş
A center for business and shopping, this vibrant waterfront district is also home to numerous universities and student hangouts. Further inland, Beşiktaş is home to upmarket neighborhoods.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Overlooking the Bosphorus, the ornate – and enormous – Dolmabahçe Palace is among the symbols of the renewed identity of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. It was built between 1843 and 1856 and served as a residence for six sultans, as well as a main administrative center for the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Türkiye, used the palace as a summer residence and died here on November 10, 1938.
On the Asian Side
Kadıköy – Moda
On the Anatolian (Asian) side of İstanbul is the picturesque Kadıköy district, featuring ferry terminals along with the historical Haydarpaşa Train Station. In addition the area is home to numerous cafes, boutiques and theatres. The trendy Moda neighborhood is terrific for a stroll; you can even stop by the Moda Beach!
Küçüksu Kasrı (Hunting Lodge)
In the Küçüksu district, on the Üsküdar-Beykoz coastal road, the ornate, waterfront Küçüksu Pavilion was among the preferred boarding pavilions used by the Ottoman sultans when they boated. As well, it was used as hunting lodge and a short-term resting point for various excursions. The original wood villa is believed to have been built in 1752; the current structure, made of stone, was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid.
Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower, the subject of various legends and stories, was built on a tiny islet off the coast of Üsküdar. Also known as “Leander’s Tower”, the current structure was erected during the Ottoman era. As a symbol of both İstanbul and Üsküdar, this picturesque structure has served different functions throughout its incarnation: it has been a watchtower and a lighthouse; it also served as a quarantine hospital during the 1830s cholera epidemic. Today the Maiden’s Tower features a restaurant, as well as stunning views over the Bosphorus.
Mihrabat Grove
Set along the Kanlıca ridge, the Mihrabat Grove is a peaceful oasis of pine trees, walking paths and Bosphorus views. The Park was originally a gift to Rukiye Hanım, the wife of Egyptian Abbas Halim Pasha, from Necibe Hanım, the wife of Sadullah Pasha, the Ambassador of Berlin during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid I. Today, the Grove also has cafes, playgrounds and a venue for weddings and other events.
You won’t go hungry in İstanbul
Like the city itself, İstanbul’s culinary options are varied and distinctive. Here are some of our favorites:
Sarıyer böreği (Sarıyer borek)
This tasty treat of crispy filo dough (yufka) filled with currants and minced meat has a nearly irresistible fragrance. Take a Bosphorus cruise to the Sarıyer neighborhood and sample this pastry in its birthplace.
Süleymaniye-style white beans (kuru fasulye)
Top off your visit to the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque with this classic Turkish dish; allegedly the finest versions of kuru fasulye, which are white beans with olive oil, onion and tomato paste, beans, are found in the streets around the Mosque. While no one is giving away their recipes, it is said that the secret to the dish is that the beans are cooked in copper cauldrons and rested upon a coal fire.
Bebek marzipan
For a marzipan you’ll never forget, venture to Bebek and visit Meshur Bebek Badem Ezmesi. The family-owned shop has been producing handmade almond paste treats for almost 120 years.
